Issues of Interest - Detailed View
40 km Speed Limit Restriction on drivers passing emergency service vehicles
In late 2000 early 2001 as a result of approaches from a number of Regional Councils the volunteer Associations approached CFA regarding concerns for the safety of emergency service workers operating on the Hume Freeway and other major highways across the State. The approach requested CFA to seek amendments to the road traffic laws to provide for a reduced speed limit in the vicinity of any emergency service vehicle displaying warning beacons.
In August 2001 the CFA raised the matter with VicRoads Road Safety Department who indicated that the matter was being raised at a National level with all State road authorities. The proposal was to establish a 40km/h speed limit when passing any stationary emergency service vehicle at an incident scene. At that time the proposal did not receive support from any other state road authority.
The Associations continued to pursue the issue in light of the fact that the South Australian Government had successfully implemented appropriate legislation and in 2005 the New South Wales Government was then looking at implementing similar legislation.
During 2005 a meeting of the VicRoads Road Safety Reference Group agreed with the concept in principle and suggested that an emergency services sub-group be formed to develop a combined emergency services submission. To the best of our knowledge the committee was never formed.
Since 2005 numerous approaches to have the legislation introduced have been rejected by VicRoads. Up until recently there has also been some reluctance by Victoria Police to see such legislation introduced, despite many Victoria Police members seeing the value of such legislation.
The Associations have continued to pursue the issue through the CFA; at one stage WorkSafe discussed the matter with the CFA and agreed to help progress the matter.
In 2006, as a result of a State Council Motion, the VRFBA Executive Officer wrote to brigades recommending that highways be blocked if road traffic caused safety issues or concerns to volunteer fire-fighters working on or in the vicinity of a highway.
In September 2007 VFBV approached the Office of the Emergency Services Commissioner and the Minister for Police and Emergency Services seeking their support in having appropriate legislation introduced.
In November 2007 the CFA were approached by Victoria Police to make comment on a position statement regarding restrictions on drivers passing stationary police and emergency service vehicles.
Victoria Police have proposed two basic variations to existing road rules in Victoria:
- The introduction of a 40 km/h speed limit for drivers passing a stationary police or emergency service vehicle on the road or road side with its emergency lights operating: or
- The introduction of a 'move over' law requiring drivers to create a buffer zone alongside stationary emergency vehicles. Therefore, a driver approaching a stationary police or emergency service vehicle that is displaying a flashing blue or red light shall keep clear of any police or emergency vehicles by:
a. If the road has two or more lanes, moving into the lane furthest from the stationary emergency vehicle if safe or practical to do so; or
b. If a lane change under sub rule a) is not safe or practical, reducing the speed of the vehicle to:
i. 60km/h; or
ii. 40km/h in a built up area
VFBV has written to the CFA Chief Officer – on behalf of CFA's volunteers commenting on the above propositions. VFBV, VRFBA and VUFBA recommendations included option 1, a reduction of speed for drivers approaching an emergency service vehicle with lights operating.
CFA have advised that given the short turn around time for feed back on this position statement, further consultation with a variety of stakeholders may further be required.
In the interim, the CFA have advised VFBV that their position is to support the introduction of a 40-60km/h speed limit on drivers passing stationary emergency vehicles with their lights operating.
VFBV will advise of further updates on the possibility of speed reductions as more information on this topic comes to hand.
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